5 exciting reasons to visit Devon in 2021

If you’re thinking ahead to your next holiday then a staycation is definitely the way forward. But with so many incredible destinations to explore in England, where should you start looking? We’d obviously always recommend the beautiful coast and countryside of South Devon. But to entice you further here’s some more exciting reasons to visit Devon in 2021.

Mayflower 400 commemorations extended into 2021

The programme of events organised to mark the 400th anniversary of the Mayflower’s voyage to ‘The New World’ was curtailed in 2020 due to the pandemic. But many of the commemorations have been rolled over to 2021.

In November you can visit the free Illuminate Festival in Royal William Yard, Plymouth. The event uses projection mapping, light art installations and street performances to transform this former victualling yard into a joyful and immersive arts space.

The anniversary will also be marked as part of Dartmouth Royal Regatta from 26 to 28 August 2021.

Keep an eye on the Mayflower 400 website and the Dartmouth Regatta website for event updates.

Find the perfect base for exploring South Devon by searching our holiday accommodation in Dartmouth.

Moor Otters Arts Trail 2021

Here’s a fun reason for art lovers and families to Visit Devon in 2021: Dartmoor’s Moor Otters Art Trail. Following on from a brilliant event in 2017, this feel-good public arts project will take you on a journey of learning and discovery around the National Park. 

In 2021 there will be four trails including 81 decorated otter with cub sculptures – each of which has been uniquely designed by local and national artists.

At the end of the trail the sculptures will be auctioned off in aid of Dartmoor National Park.

For more details about the trail, which is expected to start in Spring 2021, join the Moor Otters Facebook group or visit the Dartmoor National Park website.

Looking for the best of the coast and countryside during your holiday in Devon? Take a look at our cottages in South Devon.

SailGP comes to Plymouth in 2021

See one of the world’s most impressive sailing events, SailGP, come to Plymouth in July 2021. Sailing fans can witness some of the best sailors in the world race across Plymouth Sound in the competition’s Season 2 European debut.

SailGP is an annual, global sports championship featuring bold, cutting-edge technology and awe-inspiring athleticism. In 2021 Sir Ben Ainslie will lead the British team at championship events in San Francisco and New York before arriving in Devon.

All of this will be available for spectators to watch live from Plymouth Hoe and the waterfront. You can expect to see dramatic capsizes, extreme sail racing speeds and high adrenaline competition. The race takes place from 17 to 18 July 2021.

Find your perfect South Devon retreat from where you can visit Plymouth and enjoy the South Hams Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Bear Grylls Gone Wild Festival at Powderham Castle

Powderham Castle will host an exciting new festival over the August Bank Holiday Weekend in 2021. TV explorer and Chief Scout Bear Grylls has chosen South Devon as the location to host his family-friendly Gone Wild Festival from 26 to 29 August 2021.

The four day event promises to be packed full of adventure for adults and children aged six to 18. Some top headline music acts have also been confirmed including Kaiser Chiefs, Razorlight and the Ministry of Sound Orchestra. 

Festival activities include kayaking on the Exe Estuary, Be Military Fit family group workouts, a purpose built obstacle course, abseiling and climbing. There will also be instructors from the Bear Grylls Survival Academy who will teach children and adults essential survival skills such as shelter building, fire lighting and campfire cooking.

If you don’t fancy roughing it after a day of exhilarating fun then take a look at our holiday cottages in Kingswear where you can extend your break and enjoy the delights of Devon in August.

Dartmoor National Park’s 70th Anniversary 

30 October 2021 marks seven decades since Dartmoor was designated as a National Park – one of the first in Britain. Come and enjoy its dark skies, climb one of its 160 tors and learn about its 295 million years of history at one of the three visitors centres. 

Keep an eye on the Dartmoor National Park website for celebratory events too.

Stay with us in 2021

If you would like to visit Devon in 2021 be assured that you can book your holiday with confidence through Dart Valley Cottages. Read our advice for guests. 

We have a wide selection of cottages in Dartmouth and the South Hams.